Genesis 46:1

And Israel came to Beer-sheba, &c.— Though this was in his way from Hebron, as it lay in the most southerly parts of Canaan; yet he probably made choice of it, the rather, as both Abraham and Isaac had consecrated the place, and there received favourable answers from God. See ch. Genesis 21:33.Genesis 26:23, &c. In his devotion he had an eye to God as "the God of his father Isaac," that is, a God in covenant with him; for by Isaac the covenant was entailed upon him. He "offered sacrifices," extraordinary sacrifices, besides those at his stated times. These sacrifices were offered, 1. By way of thanksgiving for the last blessed change of the face of his family, for the good news he had received concerning Joseph, and for the hopes he had of seeing him. 2. By way of petition for the presence of God with him in his intended journey. 3. By way of consultation. Jacob would not go, till he had asked permission of Jehovah.